babies, books & cultivating coziness.

My Housekeeping Commonplace Book, 8

What is a commonplace book? For me, this is a space where I post interesting links, reflections on what I’m reading, and the newest recipes I’ve been trying out — a collection of miscellaneous micro-posts.

Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell — which I’ve read, but this is the audio version. Somehow, even though I’m not into the fanfic scene, or an identical twin — two factors which strongly inform Cath’s freshman year in college — her experience reverberates really strongly with my experience as a new college student. The book is funny, and romantic, and asks really great questions about the place of art, and creation, and who art really belongs, too. Plus, Rowell gets anxiety, and does great dialogue:

“‘I feel sorry for you, and I’m going to be your friend.’
‘I don’t want to be your friend,’ Cath said as sternly as she could. ‘I likethat we’re not friends.’
‘Me, too. I’m sorry you ruined it by being so pathetic.’”

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan.It’s pretty much what’s been getting me through sleepless nights with Scout’s weird, unending fever. A library school friend had linked to this piece via Tumblr, and it drew me in. I’m not sure the book feels as Austen-y as I’d hoped, but it’s interesting to learn about Singapore, a place about which I’m totally ignorant, and I’m a sucker for a good romcom when I need an escape. The verdict is out still on whether I’d recommend it, but I think we’re going to finish it, and I’m not afraid to abandon a book.

Although the opulence of the great home of Lord Grantham undergoes some social critique throughout the series, it is that very splendor that makes viewers tune in. Downton is a beautiful estate and simply stunning home, complete with gold candlesticks, silver platters, and crystal chandeliers. In fact, there is something liturgical about it all. This is precisely the draw. In a world or mega-churches and modern churches, many are starved for real beauty. It is innate to our nature to be drawn to something greater.